Meet with your school's financial aid office. Make an appointment and be sure to bring proof of your income, such as your past year's tax return or W-2 form. Your financial aid officer can help you apply for federal grants and loans as well as any grants, loans or scholarships offered by the school.
Examine your financial aid package. Once you have received your package from the school with the total amount of grant, loan and scholarship money you have been given you will be able to assess how much more, if anything, you will need to pay your culinary school tuition. Subtract the amount of tuition and supplies per year from the amount of loans, grants and scholarships you were offered to determine how much more you will need.
Apply for outside scholarships and grants. Your town's civic organizations, such as the Rotary or Elks Clubs, may offer scholarships for local students. Other organizations sometimes offer scholarships for children of members or for successful graduates. Check with any organization you may have been a part of for scholarships you may be eligible for and apply.
Look for part time work. Many culinary school students are working students. Your school may have a career office that can help you find a restaurant job that will complement your schoolwork. If you are currently employed, see if you can continue your job on a full or part time basis while attending school.
Consider taking classes individually. Many culinary schools offer specific classes, such as pastry courses, knife skills or charcuterie to non-matriculated students. If you cannot afford to take a full course load at culinary school you may be able to afford to take one or two classes in specific subjects at a time. Community colleges often offer affordable culinary coursework on a course by course basis.